Chapter 13

Ryan turned toward the pond. His eyes were brimming with excitement as he stared at the water. Sherry interrupted, "Why are you avoiding the topic again? What's caught your attention?" "I'm not avoiding anything! I'm just trying to get you to pay attention to the water!" "Why are you so fixated on the water? What's the big deal?" He rolled his eyes at her and gestured toward the pond. "I've been wondering about this for a while. Have you ever noticed how clear the water is in this pond despite having only one exit?" He added, "I once believed it was simply from a natural waterfall, keeping it clear. But now I notice the rippling on the surface." "Why all the fuss? Why are you so hyped?" Sherry asked, still looking puzzled but curious. Ryan grew increasingly frustrated. He wished for Nina's presence because he knew she would have grasped his meaning. Then, he gestured toward the water, explaining, "Look at the ripples! That means there's an underground stream. It must lead somewhere. This could be our ticket to survival!" Sherry took a moment to absorb his explanation before it finally clicked. "So, you're suggesting we swim out of here?" "Yeah, unless you're telling me you can't swim," Ryan responded, eyeing her doubtfully. "Come on, I'm a famous travel blogger. I've explored the depths of Istopia and swam in the crystal waters of Tropica," she boasted confidently. Before she could continue, Ryan cut in, gesturing with his hand. "Okay, enough bragging. So, are you brave enough to swim out of here with me?" Sherry hesitated, and her eagerness to depart gave way to doubt. "What's wrong? Are you having second thoughts about leaving?" Ryan asked. She quickly replied, "No, it's not that. I just need to be sure. "Can we rely on this underground stream to lead us out? Will swimming from here really take us to safety?" Her words mirrored both her own anxieties and his uncertainties. Ryan chuckled wryly and shook his head in response. "Sure, it's not guaranteed. These underground streams are intricate, like mazes. I'm clueless about where this one goes. "We could get lucky and find a way out quickly. Or we could wander for ages, tiring ourselves until we're just floating bodies in this current. "I'm willing to give it a try. After all, I won't just sit here waiting to die. So, are you up for it?" Sherry hesitated, her face paling before she finally nodded. "If you're in, so am I. It's better to take the risk than wait here to die! Alright, let's do it! I've had enough of staying put in this dreadful place!" He looked at her with newfound respect after hearing her determined words while giving her a nod of approval. He chuckled at her playful comment before responding, "Hold on, we shouldn't leave just yet. It's not safe to swim on an empty stomach; we might get cramps underwater. Let's eat something before we go." With that, he hurried around the pool to search for snails. In the day, many snails lurked beneath the water's surface, making them an effortless catch for Ryan. He collected a handful and tossed them into the smoldering fire pit. He then directed Sherry to bury the snails in the embers, using the leftover heat for thorough cooking. Next, he gathered moss from beneath the large rocks, washed it in the water, and wrapped it in leaves. With these simple steps, breakfast was prepared. They sat by the fire as they eagerly devoured the moss they had gathered. This time, Sherry ate with gusto without hesitating. Once the moss was finished, they savored the perfectly roasted snails, relishing another fulfilling meal. After their bellies were full, they stretched their limbs. Ryan began to get ready for a dive. He removed his jacket and put aside the lighter. He then stripped down to his boxers, leaving Sherry momentarily taken aback. She instinctively covered her chest. "Ryan, what are you doing? Are you trying to have some fun before we die? If you really want to, sure! I'm in!" She blushed as she shyly took off her jacket. He was baffled by her lustful thought. "You're ready to strip, but I'm not. I'm only stripping for survival. "Isn't it risky to wear so much while underwater? You should undress, too. Take off whatever clothes you can." Sherry hesitated and looked at her clothes. "But what if we make it out and end up freezing without clothes?" Upon hearing this, she cast aside her concerns and swiftly removed her outer garments, leaving herself in her underwear. A sudden chill breeze made her shiver uncontrollably, with goosebumps on her skin. Ryan couldn't help but whistle softly as he glanced at Sherry from the corner of his eye. Despite her unassuming attire, once she undressed a bit, her figure was quite striking. He cleared his throat and suggested, "You can keep your short sleeve on. If we bump into someone, we wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea." Their banter continued, gradually diffusing the tension that hung in the air. Under the blazing sun, Ryan led Sherry into the pond. It was a risky decision. If they didn't find an exit in time, their fate would be sealed in the stream. Before setting off, neither spoke a word. He took a deep breath before bravely plunging into the icy pond. The shock of the cold water instantly jolted through him, making him shiver uncontrollably. With determined strokes, he swam forward until he reached the underground stream. Luckily, there was a small pocket of air where he could surface and catch his breath. Ryan was entirely focused now, his mind devoid of any thoughts of Sherry lagging behind. He pushed forward with all his might, occasionally surfacing to catch his breath. As he swam, he couldn't gauge the distance covered. Soon, he felt his body temperature drop, and his strength ebb away gradually. Each stroke became a struggle against his heavy limbs. He pushed himself forward, but all he encountered ahead was pitch darkness—a dead end. His sole beacon of hope rested in the chance of spotting even a glimmer of light ahead. "Ryan, I'm so tired. I can't swim anymore," Sherry weakly uttered from behind. "Stay with me, Sherry. We're almost there," he murmured, his voice barely audible. Despite his reassurances, Ryan's strength began to wane. Each time he went under, it felt like an eternity before he resurfaced. Soon, his breathing became a struggle. Was this how it would end for them?